Synthesis of urea on the surface of interstellar water ice clusters. A quantum chemical study

Synthesis of urea on the surface of interstellar water ice clusters. A quantum chemical study

Amides, such as urea, are key molecules in prebiotic chemistry because they possess the C-N bond, which is also found in amino acids and nucleobases. Urea has been detected in a few sources in the interstellar medium, raising questions about its synthesis. We characterized various formation mechanisms on the icy mantles of dust grains. We found that presence of icy surfaces is crucial, as they act as reactant concentrators and likely play the role of third body.

leer más…
Oort cloud perturbations as a source of hyperbolic Earth impactors

Oort cloud perturbations as a source of hyperbolic Earth impactors

Our latest research focuses on the analysis of an unusual grazing meteor, FH1, detected by the Finnish Fireball Network in October 2022. The meteoroid, with cm-sized dimensions, exhibited an inbound hyperbolic orbit and asteroidal consistency. Our findings suggest that FH1 is more likely a perturbed Oort cloud object than an interstellar interloper, given its orbital plane’s alignment with the ecliptic and proximity to the parabolic velocity limit.

leer más…